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The year 2011 has seen numerous advancements in the field of medicine and medical research. Here’s a look a few of the more exciting advancements.
For more information on medical advancements you can do research at online directories such as Canada 411.

New arthritis medication. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are used as the main treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The most common of these NSAIDs is aspirin. However, these drugs can cause stomach issues. A new drug called Vimovo combines an anti-inflammatory drug with another drug called esomeprazole that helps alleviate any stomach issues.

Prostate cancer drug. Abiraterone is a pill that is given to men with advanced prostate cancer. Previously, chemotherapy was the only option to help slow the spread of the cancer and it had side effects such as nausea and hair loss. This new medication extends survival rates and does not have as many negative side effects as chemotherapy.

New drill to clear arteries. A new pneumatic drill has been developed that can break down deposits in leg arties caused by peripheral arterial disease. Previous medical treatments for PAD included inserting a tiny tube into the main leg artery. A wire was then sent through the tube to break up the deposit. However, if the deposit was a hard substance, the wire could not break it up. The new drill uses a wire whose tip vibrates at a very high speed, which puts a hole in the deposit. After this, a balloon can be inserted and inflated to break up the deposit.